No repentance in death

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | September 24, 2023 | Matthew 27:3-5

KEY VERSE:

So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. Matthew 27:5 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In our piece of scripture today, we see how it all ends. How the evil we plot and implement, ends up bringing us to a point of death. Proverbs 16:25 says it beautifully, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Judas at the end of the day was driven to hang himself after being blinded by the love of money and being consumed by the evil he had perpetrated. His remorse was too late and very detrimental, leading to his death. The Bible says the thief cometh but to steal, kill and destroy. He destroys by death, which is the eternal separation from the Creator (God) in the final destination of man. Just as physical death separates us from our family and loved ones, as well as spirit separates us from the body, the ultimate goal of evil (sin) is to ensure that we are eternally separated from God in the hereafter. The whole purpose of the devil and his cohorts is to make man rebel against the will of God until they die, and never experience His love. As a result, man will eventually end up in that place of separation, an area that was created exclusively for the devil and his cohorts. This place is known as hell, a place of eternal suffering and despair. It is a place of darkness, where man will never be able to find peace. The devil and his cohorts are the ultimate enemy of God, and they will do everything in their power to ensure that man never finds his way into heaven.

In death, there is no repentance. It is too late and eternal separation is sealed. The only way to avoid this result of evil (sin), is to believe in Jesus and accept his finished work on the cross. He is the one who bridges the separation gap between the evil doer and God. He is the bridge to God.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Sin and evil will always end in death if we do not repent and turn away from it. The very moment we die in our sins, there is no more hope of spending eternity with God. REPENT while you have life, for death seals the eternal separation from God.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, I repent of any sin that I am engaged in today. I turn my life and will to you. Set me on that path of righteousness, for your dear name's sake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! ___________ DAILY word study: HANGED HIMSELF The phrase "hanged himself" from our key verse for today's devotional is translated from the following Greek words: "ἀπήγξατο" (apēnxato):** This is a form of the Greek verb "ἀπάγχω" (apagchō), which means "to hang oneself" or "to hang by the neck." It refers to the act of taking one's own life by hanging.

In this verse, the tragic aftermath of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus unfolds. Overwhelmed by guilt and remorse for his actions, Judas takes the thirty pieces of silver, the payment he received for betraying Jesus, and throws them into the temple. He then departs from that place and commits suicide by hanging himself.

The act of Judas taking his own life is a profoundly tragic event in the biblical narrative. It reflects the depth of his despair and remorse for his role in betraying Jesus. The specific method, hanging, underscores the gravity of his emotional and spiritual turmoil.

The phrase "hanged himself" in this passage presents a sombre and sobering reflection on the consequences of betrayal and the weight of guilt. Judas, who had once been among Jesus' closest disciples, found himself in a place of profound despair, unable to bear the burden of his actions.

This passage serves as a reminder of the moral and emotional toll that betrayal and wrongdoing can take on an individual's life. It also underscores the importance of seeking forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption rather than succumbing to despair. As we consider Judas' story, may it encourage you to turn to God's grace and forgiveness in moments of despair, recognizing that there is always hope and healing available through faith and repentance.

Reflections: How can Judas' tragic fate serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness, redemption, and support in times of guilt, despair, or hopelessness? Are there areas in your own life where you need to embrace the offer of forgiveness and healing that Jesus extends to all who turn to Him?